Melody Maker - Lisa Jacobsen

March 01, 1989

When Lisa Jacobsen began teaching music at Bruton Heights Elementary School five years ago, she had a choir with 25 pupils. She now has to choirs with 150 youngsters and teaches 33 general music classes per week.

"I love to take pieces and put them together," says Jacobsen. She enjoys the challenge of molding individual students with many differences into a musical unit whose members work well together.

Jacobsen began her college career at James Madison University as a business major, but later switched to music. She has a degree in music performance and education.

She decided to try teaching music for one year to see what would happen. She later decided to make it a career.

Jacobsen says the turning point in her life occurred four years ago, when she met Eric Stone, a member of the Williamsburg Fire Department. They will be married in the near future.

Family: Parents, Robert and Phil Jacobsen who live in the Shenandoah Valley, one sister.

Hometown: Maui, Hawaii.

What makes me tick: Doing things well.

Greatest feat: Helping children from all walks of life work together through music.

Greatest asset: I strive for perfection.

Favorite cause: Having people recognized for what they are, without regard to sex, race or any other differences.

Worst fear: Failing to do something I set out to do.

Bad habit: Eating too much chocolate.

Pet peeve: People who refuse to judge others as individuals.

Hobbies: I love animals, all kinds of sports, cooking.

Restaurants: Second Street.

Foods: All kinds.

Vacation spots: Anywhere outside the United States. I love to travel.

TV programs: "The Cosby Show."

Radio station: Z104

Movies: "The Color Purple."

Magazines: I subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens and Newsweek.

Music: Jazz.

Five-year goal: To establish and build a strong choir program when I move to James Blair School next year.